France is one of the most geographically and culturally diverse countries in Europe, and while Paris is undeniably magnificent, limiting your visit to the capital means missing out on some of the most extraordinary landscapes, experiences, and flavors this incredible country has to offer. Provence, in the south of France, is a region of almost overwhelming beauty — in summer, the lavender fields of the Luberon turn entire hillsides purple, filling the air with their intoxicating fragrance, while the markets of Aix-en-Provence overflow with fresh produce, local cheeses, and handmade crafts. The Dordogne valley in southwest France is one of Europe’s great hidden treasures, a landscape of medieval castles, prehistoric cave art, and golden stone villages reflected in the calm waters of the river below. Bordeaux, recently transformed into one of France’s most exciting cities, is of course the gateway to the world’s most famous wine region — the surrounding vineyards of Saint-Émilion and Médoc produce wines of extraordinary quality that you can taste at source in some of the most beautiful settings imaginable. And in the far north, the dramatic coastline of Normandy carries the weight of history in a way that is deeply moving — the D-Day beaches, the medieval abbey of Mont Saint-Michel rising like a miracle from the sea, and the charming fishing villages of the Calvados coast all make this one of France’s most rewarding regions to explore.
